An internist looks at the fundus oculi

The ophthalmoscope is the only convenient device permitting the in vivo inspection of both neural tissue and the arterial and venous blood columns within the retinal vessels. Many findings of little interest to ophthalmologists are, when integrated into the total clinical examination, of great use to internists during the process of making a specific diagnosis. Even after the diagnosis has been made, some ophthalmoscopic signs are uniquely useful in evaluating the chronicity, severity, prognosis, and/or the vasculopathic effects of the disease.